The Beirn snakeskin ‘Erica’ east/west totes are exclusively available at Bluefly! This yummy lightweight tote features watersnake exterior with subtle sheen, charcoal canvas lining with interior zip and raised patch pockets, leather handles and hidden magnetic closure. Available in mulberry, scarlet, black and coffee/cream. Price: $195 (retail value: $325). I can’t decide which color I love most!

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Cancelled flights, thunderstorms, and more travel delays than one cares to experience in a day, could not keep me from heading to New York for coffee with Tory Burch. I began my journey Thursday morning to the Tory Burch boutique in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, two hours ahead of schedule since I am known for taking a wrong turn. My timing was perfect – actually 20 minutes early – which allowed plenty of time to snap pictures and get acquainted with a few of the Tory Burch staff, all of whom were very accommodating. A kid in a candy store best describes my excitement. The 1,600 square-foot Meatpacking District boutique, located near the corner of Little West 12th Street and Washington Street, opened in December and is the 17th Tory Burch boutique. At first glance, it appears more of a cross between a luxurious living room and walk in closet. It is cozy, plush and intimate.

As I entered the space, I first noticed the exquisite ceiling-to-floor wall that holds many fabulous pairs of Tory Burch shoes. There were several glass shelves of footwear framed with plum velvet curtains, along with a collection of belts worth fighting over! The walls on both sides of the store were lined with beautiful apparel from the summer and pre-fall collections. Matching handbags and shoes lined the display areas making it hard to resist purchasing a complete outfit from head to toe.

And then…there was the handbags and jewelry! I have never seen so many Tory Burch handbags up close! They are even more beautiful in person. I felt cheated because most of the time, I rely on what I see on various websites. There is nothing like holding a Tory Burch against your body and seeing the instant style transformation. The details are bolder – the hardware, the colors, the quality of each bag is perfection. Everywhere I turned, there was a handbag sitting pretty on a shelf. The jewelry is also a jaw-dropper! Each necklace is a conversational piece. They complement the entire collection, so it’s not just a one-time wear. They can be worn with any and everything because they are simply breathtaking!

Shortly after Tory Burch arrived, I was introduced to the woman I so greatly admire – not only for building a fashion empire in five years that is constantly expanding, but because she is also a mother and philanthropist. I won’t mention that I blog about Tory Burch almost weekly in my segment New at ToryBurch.com and have featured many bags as the Haute Handbag of the Day. It was a surreal moment because I have only seen and read about Ms. Burch in countless magazines. I confessed to loving everything in the store and how I’d been snapping pictures like a maniac. As I gave her my business card, she commented that she’s been to HandbagReport.com before! (It took everything in me to contain my excitement!) I did not expect Ms. Burch to be so friendly and down to earth as she made her way to the sofa while apologizing for being late. She took a seat and began discussing some of her favorite items from her summer and pre-fall collections.

While there were several favorites that Ms. Burch pulled off the racks to share with us, I will focus on the handbags. Shown above on the left is the Hadley Resin Clutch. The gold beetles were inspired from Ms. Burch’s trip to Morocco. She incorporated beetles into the design because they are considered good luck. (The white Hadley Clutch is now on sale at ToryBurch.com!) Pictured in the center is a Tory Burch tote with an crest style logo inspired by her father. Pictured on the right is the Stitched Clutch and Stitched Tote Bright (also on sale at ToryBurch.com). The natural color was inspired by the Moroccan desert. The bold contrast in color adds a modern twist.

Ms. Burch announced the start of the Tory Burch Foundation, which will partner with ACCION USA to support small businesses by making loans to aspiring entrepreneurs; plans of two Tory Burch boutiques in Japan; an office in Shanghai; growing the handbag line; and other exciting developments. Tory Burch is clearly a force to be reckoned with. She has a dedicated team with whom she shares the credit, and will soon become a household name. I look forward to many more Tory Burch events!

Staci and Jason Branson, Assistant Manager, Tory Burch Boutique Meatpacking District

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In celebration of Belvedere’s new Black Raspberry vodka, British luxury accessories designer Jonathan Kelsey created The Belvie – a new limited edition overnight bag for the woman who works hard and plays even harder. Grammy Award-winning recording artist Estelle is the face of The Belvie. It’s the perfect summer bag that will hold everything but the kitchen sink, and can easily go from day to night!

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The Obama Tote by Diane Von Furstenberg has become a 2009 Inaugural Collectible.  It is part of the Runway to Change Collection, consisting of t-shirts, totes and accessories created by some of our country’s most talented designers, in an effort to make their mark during the campaign.  The tote is made of a heavyweight natural cotton canvas. The graphic pattern of our next President’s best qualities (hope, integrity, passion, intelligence) covers entire front and back of tote. Union Made in the US. Price: $70.00 available at Inaugural Collectibles Online Store.

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Portero.com has exclusive Ferragamo items, starting at $200!  Rare, exotic accessories make a wonderful gift for any occasion.  Start bidding at Portero.com! Pictured above: Rare Ferragamo Apple Green Alligator Tote. (Thanks Lindsay!)

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Marc Jacobs strips down to show off Louis Vuitton’s latest It-bag. In celebration of Stephen Sprouse’s book and exhibition, Louis Vuitton is releasing a limited edition collection of neon graffiti accessories. The original Louis Vuitton + Sprouse collaboration was so haute, there was a waiting list for the must have It-bags.  Stephen Sprouse, a high-fashion designer in the 80s, was best known for his “street style” and blurring the lines between fashion, art, music and design.

Marc Jacobs is posing with the Graffiti Keepall Bag, $1,500; Louis Vuitton Rose Speedy Bag, $1,200 – 866-VUITTON

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Gucci’s Creative Director Frida Giannini has created a special collection of products to celebrate the unveiling of the newly renovated Gucci boutique on Via Condotti in Rome. The collection is centered around a new print called “1950s Postcard,” a nod to Gucci’s historical ties to the city of Rome where the brand first opened its doors in 1938. “1950s Postcard features a stylized illustration, which perfectly captures the scenic quality of Rome’s Dolce Vita at the foot of Piazza di Spagna, including the Gucci store on its historic location on Via Condotti.” The postcard print is on the front of two women’s handbags, and set off by a bold white GG Plus and silver leather trim. The Condotti products are available exclusively at this location.

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To celebrate the unveiling of Gucci’s newly renovated Rome store in Via Condotti, Gucci debuts its Heritage collection. Heritage is a one-of-a-kind accessories collection which pays tribute to the Italian brand’s rich history. Giannini (Gucci’s Creative Director) resurrected several iconic handbag models as well as a unique vintage print called “Rinascimento,” which is exclusive to the Rome store and first produced by Gucci in the 1950s. “Deep red and dark green flowers, thorny spires and crowns dance across a creamy canvas background with striking effect.” Rome’s Heritage collection includes five different hand bag models, including the Jackie and the Bamboo, made from exotic skins, such as ostrich, python and crocodile. Heritage will only be available at Rome’s Via Condotti store, and in the new 5th Avenue New York store.

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Today is the opening of Bergdorf Goodman’s Gucci accessories boutique on its main floor. In honor of the occasion, Gucci will unveil 15 limited edition one-of-a-kind handbags. Each handbag will incorporate Bergdorf’s signature lilac color with a silver hand tag engraved with “Gucci Loves Bergdorf.” The collection will include an update on some of Gucci’s most popular styles, such as the Hysteria, Indy and Jockey with ostrich, crocodile and python.

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To celebrate Louis Vuitton’s 30th anniversary in Japan, Louis Vuitton will open a store inside Comme des Garçons for three months beginning in September. They will offer six bags designed by Rei Kawakubo in Vuitton’s signature monogram pattern. Rei Kawakubo, established the high fashion house Comme des Garçons in Tokyo in 1973. With the introduction of her line in Paris in 1981, Kawakubo created a sensation with her androgynous and innovative design, and is regarded as one of the three major avant-garde designers from Japan, alongside Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto.

Kawakubo’s exclusive collection consists of two Party bags, small evening purses with outsized natural leather handles; two customized classic Louis Vuitton bags, endowing the Papillon with kawaii (cute) animal charms and the Mini HL with multiple slender handles; and two reedited iconic designs from the 1970s – the Petit Marceau and the Sac 2 Poches. The bags will only be available upon order only at the “Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons store”. The lucky customers will receive a certificate inside a special card holder in Louis Vuitton’s traditional natural leather, embossed with the Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons signature. Other iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram bags, such as the Speedy and Alma chosen by Rei Kawakubo, will also be on display and available for immediate sale inside this special “Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons” store. (Photo courtesy of MyItThings.com)

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